Cover: Some Like It Hot
Fire dancing has become a consuming passion.

News: Sweet Charity
Local causes go begging after cash goes to New York.

Give It Up for the Holidays: A gift guide with something for everyone.

Critic's Picks: A guide to the week's best arts, theater and music events.

Hate Week: 'Focus' is an instant antique about intolerance.

Goin' South: Samba superstar Bebel Gilberto steams into the river city.

SiFT: Disco divas, hip-hop connoisseurs and salsa suaves to flannel-clad pinball players, jazz luminaries and more from the City by the Bay.

Final Fling: An exotic dancer takes a farewell tour in 'Strip City.'

Kids & Chaos: Three writers compare notes on hippie childhoods.

Turning the Tables: Author John Robbins advocates a 'Food Revolution.'